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Politicians and experts weigh in on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's death

Venezuela Chavez.JPG

A member of the presidential guard, top, places a flower on the coffin containing the body of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez as it is taken from the hospital in Caracas, Venezuela, where he died March 5. Chavez had been undergoing treatment for cancer for two years.
(Photo by The Associated Press)

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez died March 5 from a respiratory failure after undergoing several surgeries to treat his pelvic cancer.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced Chavez's death in an emotional news conference in Caracas, CBS News reported.

"Let there be no weakness, no violence," Maduro told the Venezuelan people. "Let there be no hate. In our hearts there should only be one sentiment: Love. Love, peace and discipline."

Chavez, president of Venezuela from 1999 until his death, first announced his cancer diagnosis in June 2011. Before he traveled to Cuba for his last cancer surgery in December, he named Maduro as one of his potential successors, CNN reported. Opposition candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski is also considered to be a top contender.

Here's what experts and politicians have to say about Chavez's death and what it means for the political future of Venezuela:

» Javier Corrales, political science professor at Amherst College:

In regimes that are so person-based, the moment that the person on which everything hangs is removed, the entire foundation becomes very weak because there was nothing else supporting this other than this figure.

Hugo Chávez’s death is a game changer in Venezuela and will inevitably imply a reorganization of the political order,” said IHS Latin America analyst Diego Moya-Ocampos. “It creates a power vacuum that will be hard to fill and a political crisis could take place should Maduro fail to guarantee continuity for the Chavismo movement.

At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez's passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.

Hugo Chavez ruled Venezuela with an iron hand and his passing has left a political void that we hope will be filled peacefully and through a constitutional democratic process, grounded in the Venezuelan constitution and adhering to the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

With free and fair elections, Venezuela can begin to restore its once robust democracy and ensure respect for the human, political and civil rights of its people.

Hugo Chavez was a tyrant who forced the people of Venezuela to live in fear. His death dents the alliance of anti-U.S. leftist leaders in South America. Good riddance to this dictator.

Venezuela once had a strong democratic tradition and was close to the United States. Chavez's death sets the stage for fresh elections. While not guaranteed, closer U.S. relations with his key country in our Hemisphere are now possible.

Others, however, chose to highlight the positive aspects of Chavez's legacy:

» Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president:

"President Chavez will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment.

"At the same time, we recognize the divisions created in the drive towards change in Venezuela and the need for national healing. We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chavez and recall his positive legacies -- especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable -- the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life."

Readers: What do you think? What does Chavez's death mean for Venezuela's political future? What does it mean for its relations with the United States, Latin American countries and the rest of the world? What would you say is Chavez's overall legacy? Leave a comment below.